In high school, we had our favorite place we went to just for the fries. To be honest, I can’t even remember what else they served. I’d like to think I was buying a meal and the fries came on the side, but there’s a good chance I just considered that stack of salty goodness my entire meal.
It was one of those tiny restaurants with a greasy scent that made you hungry the instant you walked through the door. You would squeeze between crowded tables to get to the counter to place your order. A bell rang as your hot meal was placed on the counter in a flimsy red plastic basket. We would grab our baskets filled with hot food and find a table in the back corner.
The fries were always piled high, curly, crunchy and served with just the right about of high school drama. I mean, I really can’t imagine a better way of learning about who’s-going-to-Homecoming-with-who than over an order of curly fries (and this is why I’m still not on Facebook. I need the in-person conversation).
Now, these fries may not taste the same as the fried ones I had in high school. But let me tell you, they are by far, the best fries I have made on my own. They are crispy, cheesey, spicy and served with just the right amount of I-can’t-believe-it’s-Monday-already-why-do-the-weekends-always-go-by-so-fast-?
Baked Spicy Cheese Fries
Adapted from Joy the Baker
Keywords: bake appetizer side vegetarian Super Bowl American
Ingredients (2-3 servings)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 3 russet potatoes, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Generous sprinkle sea salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin and jalapeno pepper. Set aside.
2. Slice potatoes in 1/4 inch pieces lengthwise then stack pieces and cut into 1/4 inch strips. In a medium bowl, toss the potato strips with olive oil and then mix together throughly using tongs with cornstarch mixture.
3. Spread potatoes in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet. Generously sprinkle sea salt over fries. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, tossing after about 15 minutes. Bake until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven, top with shredded cheese and return to the oven for 2-3 minute, until cheese begins to melt. Serve hot and enjoy!
